The Finished Work of the Cross: A Journey of Grace and Transformation

Edwin Everly

Professors Craig Snyder, Dr. Steve McVey, John Crowder, Dr. Don Keathley, and Mike Miller

April 22, 2025

The Finished Work of the Cross

A Journey of Grace and Transformation

Opening Prayer

Dear Gracious Creator, We come before You with hearts filled with awe and gratitude for the transformative work completed through the cross. In its shadow, we find the depths of Your love, the fullness of Your grace, and the pathway to a life of reconciliation and freedom.

As we reflect on the truths of the cross—its sufficiency, its invitation to intimacy, and its liberation through Your sovereignty—we ask for Your wisdom and guidance. May this essay be more than words on a page; may it honor the profound truths revealed through Your sacrifice and inspire hearts to embrace the grace freely given.

Thank You for the educators, the readings, and the revelations that have illuminated the beauty of Your finished work. May this reflection serve as a testament to Your boundless love, and may it glorify Your name as we walk boldly in the transformation You have called us to. 

In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen

The Finished Work of the Cross: A Journey of Grace and Transformation

Introduction

As a student of Global Grace Seminary, I have been privileged to embark on a profound journey of theological discovery and spiritual growth. Core Course 5: The Finished Work of the Cross stands as a cornerstone in this transformative experience, unveiling the depth, beauty, and power of Christ’s completed work on the cross. Guided by the wisdom and expertise of esteemed professors Craig Snyder, Dr. Steve McVey, John Crowder, Dr. Don Keathley, and Mike Miller, I have encountered truths that challenge traditional paradigms and invite believers into a life of grace, freedom, and intimacy with God.

Throughout this course, the teachings have not only illuminated the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice but have also highlighted its far-reaching implications for our identity, relationship with God, and daily lives. Each professor contributed unique insights, layering theological principles with practical applications that resonate deeply in the heart and soul. Their dedication to presenting these transformative truths has enriched my understanding and cultivated a renewed sense of purpose in my calling as a chaplain and ministry leader.

These teachings were further enhanced by the required readings, which provided complementary perspectives and deeper exploration of the course themes. Robin Smit’s It Is Finished articulates the completeness of Christ’s work with a clarity that dispels fear and striving, inviting believers into the fullness of grace. C. Baxter Kruger’s Across All Worlds unveils the mystery of humanity’s union with the Trinity, painting a picture of divine intimacy that transforms how we view ourselves and others. Jason Clark’s God is Not in Control challenges traditional views of sovereignty, presenting God as relational and empowering rather than controlling. Together, these works act as vital companions to the course, weaving together a tapestry of grace, reconciliation, and freedom that redefines the foundation of faith.

The impact of these lessons has been transformative, shaping not only my theological understanding but also my personal faith and ministry. They have inspired me to approach my relationship with God through a lens of gratitude and rest, liberated from the burdens of striving. 

They have also equipped me to guide others in their spiritual journeys, encouraging them to embrace their divine identity and live boldly in the freedom offered by God’s grace. As I reflect on the truths revealed in this course, I am reminded of the boundless love and transformative power of the cross—an invitation to a life fully immersed in grace, hope, and purpose.

The Finished Work of the Cross: A Theological Foundation

The cornerstone of this course is the profound truth that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was both complete and sufficient—a transformative act that forever redefined humanity’s relationship with God. Robin Smit’s It Is Finished captures this theological revelation with clarity and depth, emphasizing that the cross marks the fulfillment of the law, inviting believers into the fullness of God’s love. Smit dismantles the notion of a transactional relationship with God—one that requires humans to earn favor through effort or performance. Instead, the cross stands as an unshakable testament to grace. Through Christ’s finished work, believers are embraced by God without conditions, welcomed into intimacy free from fear or condemnation.

Dr. Steve McVey’s teachings further illuminate this liberating truth. He challenges the traditional religious paradigm that often leads to striving under the weight of legalism—a burdensome effort to achieve righteousness through adherence to rules. McVey articulates how the finished work of the cross liberates believers, calling them into rest and assurance in God’s unmerited favor. This understanding reshapes faith from a performance-based effort to a life rooted in gratitude and peace. It reveals that salvation is not something earned but rather a gift freely given through Christ’s sacrifice.

This foundational truth has profoundly impacted my spiritual journey. Understanding the sufficiency of the cross has brought peace, freeing me from feelings of inadequacy and the endless pursuit of earning God’s favor. It has shifted my relationship with God, transforming it into one of trust and gratitude rather than fear and striving. In my ministry as a chaplain, this revelation enables me to guide those I serve toward the same liberating truth—helping them release guilt and embrace the assurance of God’s love, fostering hope and resilience in their spiritual walk.

Union with God and Identity in Christ

The profound mystery of union with God takes center stage in C. Baxter Kruger’s Across All Worlds. Kruger beautifully articulates how Christ’s finished work on the cross bridged the chasm between humanity and the divine, inviting believers to participate in the intimate fellowship of the Trinity. This union is not a distant theological concept but a living reality—a restored relationship with God in which believers experience His love as a present, transformative force. Kruger emphasizes that through Christ’s sacrifice, humanity is not merely reconciled but drawn into the life and love of God Himself.

John Crowder’s teachings complement Kruger’s insights by highlighting the joy and freedom inherent in living out our identity as co-heirs with Christ. This truth invites believers to shed shame, self-doubt, and the false narratives of unworthiness, instead embracing their divine identity as beloved children of God. The finished work of the cross instills confidence and purpose, empowering believers to walk in the fullness of grace.

Personally, this revelation of union with God has been transformative. It has deepened my relationship with God, enabling me to experience His love not as an abstract concept but as a tangible reality. Recognizing my identity as a beloved child of God has instilled a sense of worth and belonging, reshaping my approach to challenges and uncertainty. In ministry, this truth allows me to encourage others to view themselves through the lens of grace, fostering resilience and spiritual growth. By reminding them of their divine identity, I can help them navigate life’s struggles with confidence and peace.

God’s Sovereignty and the Liberation of Grace

Jason Clark’s God Is Not in Control presents a paradigm-shifting perspective on God’s sovereignty, challenging traditional views that often portray God as a controlling force dictating every outcome. Instead, Clark paints a picture of God as relational and nurturing—a loving Father committed to freedom and partnership. Clark emphasizes that God does not operate through coercion but through love, empowering believers to live boldly in the freedom of grace.

This redefinition of sovereignty aligns seamlessly with the teachings of Dr. Don Keathley and Mike Miller, who articulate how the finished work of the cross liberates believers from fear and invites them into a life of trust and boldness.

Through this lens, sovereignty is not about control but about relationship—a divine partnership in which believers are invited to live authentically, guided by the assurance of God’s love. This understanding reframes faith, emphasizing trust in God’s relational nature rather than submission to an authoritarian paradigm. It fosters a sense of freedom, allowing believers to embrace vulnerability and confidently pursue their spiritual journey.

This perspective has deeply influenced my own faith and ministry. It has reshaped my understanding of God’s role in my life, portraying Him not as a distant controller but as a loving partner in my growth and calling. Recognizing this relational dynamic allows me to support others with empathy and compassion, encouraging them to trust in God’s guidance while embracing the freedom He offers. In moments of doubt or fear, this truth serves as a reminder that God’s sovereignty operates through love, sustaining us with His grace and presence.

Practical Application in Personal Life and Ministry

The lessons from this course have profoundly reshaped both my personal faith journey and my ministry as a chaplain, providing me with a solid foundation to navigate life with grace and purpose. Embracing the finished work of the cross has been an act of liberation—freeing me from the constant need to strive for approval or prove my worth. Understanding that God’s grace is sufficient has allowed me to release the burden of inadequacy, fostering a sense of peace and gratitude that anchors my spiritual life. This freedom has enabled me to grow into a more authentic version of myself, fully resting in God’s love.

This foundation equips me to create spaces where those I minister to can experience similar spiritual and emotional growth. In my role as a chaplain, I have found that fostering environments grounded in grace allows individuals to feel safe to explore their faith, wrestle with their challenges, and embrace the process of healing. Whether through prayer, reflection, or meaningful conversations, I aim to provide the reassurance that God’s love is unconditional and that they are never alone on their journey. This approach encourages openness, trust, and relational depth, facilitating not only spiritual growth but also emotional and relational resilience.

The integration of the course’s teachings into my ministry has been particularly transformative. 

The understanding of the cross as a complete and sufficient act reminds me daily that God’s love is limitless, and I strive to extend that same love to those I serve. The revelation of our union with God and the divine intimacy it offers inspires me to guide others in recognizing their intrinsic worth and identity as beloved children of God. This perspective empowers individuals to overcome shame, self-doubt, and feelings of isolation, embracing instead the truth of their unique and cherished place in God’s family.

Moreover, Jason Clark’s teaching on God’s relational sovereignty has profoundly influenced how I engage with the challenges faced by those in my care. Knowing that God operates through love and partnership rather than coercion allows me to encourage others to trust in His guidance while also embracing their own agency in their spiritual journey. I have seen how this understanding fosters resilience in individuals—enabling them to navigate life’s uncertainties with faith and boldness rather than fear. In turn, it has taught me to approach ministry with compassion, creating relationships built on mutual respect and trust.

On a personal level, these principles have given me the courage to confront my own vulnerabilities and allow God’s grace to work through them. They remind me that my role is not to have all the answers but to faithfully walk alongside others, demonstrating the love and grace I have received. They also inspire me to approach ministry with humility, recognizing that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.

Through the lens of these teachings, I am reminded that every individual I encounter is deeply loved, profoundly valued, and invited into a bold and authentic life as a child of God. This calling fills me with hope and determination to continue fostering environments where grace abounds and lives are transformed. In both my personal life and my ministry, the lessons of this course serve as a guiding light, empowering me to embody the truth of the finished work of the cross and share it with others.

Gratitude and Conclusion

As I reflect on this transformative journey through Core Course 5: The Finished Work of the Cross, my heart is filled with gratitude for the professors and staff of Global Grace Seminary. Their unwavering dedication to theological excellence and spiritual growth has been a cornerstone of my experience. Craig Snyder, Dr. Steve McVey, John Crowder, Dr. Don Keathley, and Mike Miller have each brought unique perspectives and profound wisdom that enriched my understanding of grace, union with God, and divine sovereignty. Through their teachings, I have not only gained knowledge but also encountered transformative truths that resonate deeply in my heart and ministry.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to the staff whose efforts behind the scenes ensure that students like me can fully immerse themselves in learning. Their support, encouragement, and commitment to fostering an environment of growth and discovery are invaluable. It is through their collective labor of love that this Seminary shines as a beacon of hope, enabling individuals to embrace their calling and carry forward the message of grace into the world.

As I conclude this essay, I am reminded that the Finished Work of the Cross is far more than a theological doctrine—it is a living testament to God’s boundless love, grace, and transformative power. It is a divine act that liberates, reconciles, and restores, opening the door for all to enter into an intimate relationship with the Creator. The teachings presented in this course, enriched by the profound insights of Robin Smit in It Is Finished, C. Baxter Kruger in Across All Worlds, and Jason Clark in God Is Not in Control, have illuminated these truths with clarity and depth. These works serve as vital companions to the wisdom of the professors, providing a comprehensive understanding of the cross as the foundation of faith and grace.

The impact of this course on my personal life is immeasurable. It has shaped how I approach my own faith, empowering me to rest in grace rather than strive under the weight of legalism. It has redefined my understanding of identity and worth, strengthening my confidence in God’s love and the assurance of His sovereignty. In my ministry as a chaplain, these truths have become guiding principles—fostering environments where individuals can experience God’s grace, embrace their divine identity, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope.

Looking ahead, I am deeply committed to applying these principles in both my personal journey and my ministry. I am called to nurture spaces where grace abounds, love prevails, and lives are transformed by the truth of the finished work of the cross. It is my mission to share this message with authenticity and compassion, helping others discover the freedom and intimacy that come from knowing Christ’s completed work.

In closing, I celebrate the Finished Work of the Cross as a beacon of light that guides and transforms lives. It is a testament to the enduring power of God’s love—a love that redeems, restores, and calls us into bold and authentic living as His beloved children. May this message continue to inspire and transform, fostering a world where grace is not just a concept but a lived reality.

Closing prayer

Dear Loving Father, As we conclude this reflection on the completion of the cross, we are reminded of the boundless grace and transformative power revealed through Your sacrifice. 

Thank You for the truths that challenge us to live boldly in Your love, for the freedom we find in Your sovereignty, and for the intimate union You have invited us into.

May the insights shared in this essay honor Your finished work, drawing hearts to deeper understanding and faith. Let these words serve as a reminder that Your grace is sufficient, Your love is unfailing, and Your invitation to transformation is open to all.

Empower us to carry these truths forward in our lives and ministry. May we continue to reflect Your light, extend Your love, and foster environments where grace abounds and lives are renewed. May Your cross remain our foundation, guiding us in hope, gratitude, and purpose.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray, Amen